Page 1 of 1 The Acura RD-X concept SUV, designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, made its world debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the street performance of the RSX sports coupe with the 4-wheel drive capability of the MDX and adds high-tech functionality. Targeted to meet the needs of youthful, urban professionals, the RD-X is both rugged city transportation and weekend sport machine. An innovative 4-wheel drive power-train produces abundant power for manoeuvring through city traffic or negotiating twisty mountain roads, while stow away rear seats leave plenty of room for personal gear, whether it be a laptop and blueprints or duffel bags and mountain bikes.Inspired by Honda's Formula One race cars, the RD-X's clutch-less manual transmission uses computer controls to operate the clutch for smooth engagement. Shifting is accomplished with a paddle shifter conveniently mounted close at hand on the centre console while the close-ratio design of the gearbox helps the driver extract maximum performance from the engine. To boost acceleration and enhance handling, especially in foul weather, the RD-X boasts a newly developed IMA system with twin electric motors to power the rear wheels when extra driving force or traction is needed. This unique configuration increases power and distributes torque similar to an all-wheel drive SUV.Inside, the RD-X seamlessly combines a driver-oriented cockpit with a large, easily transformable cargo area. Dual front bucket seats, trimmed in durable, high-tech fabrics, are positioned close together rally-style to facilitate easy communication between the driver and the front passenger. Rear action seats angle outward for increased legroom and can be quickly folded forward and stowed when more cargo room is required. While the front seats are fixed, the RD-X's instruments, steering wheel and foot pedals can be adjusted forward and back to comfortably accommodate drivers of different statures. To enable quick and easy loading of large gear, such as bicycles, kayaks or snowboards, the RD-X has unique doors on the side and in the rear. Since it does not have a B-pillar, the RD-X's 'wide open' side doors can open outward from the centre to provide the largest possible opening into the vehicle. In the rear, instead of the upward swinging hatch featured on most SUVs, the RD-X boasts two powered doors that slide open to the sides and hug the flank of the vehicle to allow easy access to the rear cargo area, even in tight quarters. These doors combine with a low, flat floor to facilitate extremely easy loading and unloading of gear that might otherwise be unwieldy in cramped urban situations. Page 1 of 1